Toenail Fungus Specialist

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is an infection in your nail bed. Fungal infections cause a number of problems in nails, including:

• Thickening
• Discoloration, ranging from white to yellow to dark brown
• Crumbling
• Ragged edges
• Ridging, curling, or another distorted shape
• An odor from underneath the nail

A fungal nail can be painful when you put pressure on the nail, so wearing socks and shoes may be challenging. But wearing sandals is also troublesome because they embarrassingly expose your fungal nail.

What causes toenail fungus?

The most common type of nail fungus is dermatophyte infection, in which microscopic organisms get into the skin through an opening near your nail. 

For example, an ingrown toenail or blister can create a tiny opening for the dermatophytes to penetrate your skin. Less commonly, molds and yeast can also cause toenail fungus. 

With all types of fungal nail infections, the most common transmission method is walking barefoot in a public area. Damp, humid areas such as locker rooms and public showers are a breeding ground for fungal organisms.

How is toenail fungus diagnosed?

Dr. Badalov examines your toenail to diagnose toenail fungus. In some cases, he may need to clip a little of your nail or scrape off a bit of the fungus for testing. 

Laboratory testing can help Dr. Badalov to rule out other issues like psoriasis while determining the exact fungal organism behind your infection. 

How is toenail fungus treated?

Dr. Badalov treats toenail fungus-based upon the type of infection and your symptoms. He may prescribe topical and oral medications to destroy the fungus. You need to use these medications very consistently for a long time to fully address the fungus and clear your nail. 

Nail fungus can be very challenging sometimes, so to make sure he treats all traces of the fungus, Dr. Badalov may need to remove your toenail and administer treatment directly to your nail bed. Dr. Badalov may also recommend other fungal nail treatments suited for your specific situation. 

With consistent care, you can have clear and healthy toenails again. But, don’t forget to take precautions like wearing shoes in public areas, never sharing shoes or socks, and never sharing nail grooming tools with others to avoid another bout with nail fungus.

If your nail suddenly changes and you think it’s a fungus, don’t delay in calling Isak Badalov, DPM, or clicking the online appointment tool now.